Police investigate Villanova freshman altercation

VILLANOVA, Pa. 
Villanova forward JayVaughn Pinkston was involved in an altercation that led to an assault report early Sunday, police said, while the school acknowledged it was reviewing what happened.

Villanova issued a statement Monday saying it had been "made of aware of an incident" involving the freshman, but offering no details. The school said it had been in contact with Upper Merion Township authorities and was gathering information.

Detective Sgt. Jeffrey Maurer said Upper Merion police responded to Bryn Mawr Hospital at the request of another police agency early Sunday morning for an assault report involving this case. He said there is an investigation into an altercation in a residential area of the township and that there have been no arrests.

"By the end of the week well have an answer," he said. "This isn't something we're going to rush to make a decision on."

While the review is ongoing, the school will make no additional comment.

Pinkston practiced with the sixth-ranked Wildcats on Monday. Coach Jay Wright said he didn't know yet if Pinkston would be available for the season opener Friday against Bucknell.

"It surprised me a lot. He's a great kid," Wright said. "It's not like him."

Wright and Pinkston spoke about the altercation before Sunday's practice. Wright said Pinkston was honest with him about the assault and said it involved at least one other Villanova student. He said Pinkston understands "he probably made a mistake."

Pinkston, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was named a McDonald's All-American at Bishop Loughlin. He was named New York's Player of the Year as a senior.

Wright said he usually has a curfew for his players, but there wasn't one Saturday night.

"He made a mistake. He's going to take responsibility and we'll see how it goes," Wright said.

Wright said it's now a university matter. Pinkston was not made available for comment.

Last summer, former Wildcat Reggie Redding was arrested and charged with possession of a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia, both misdemeanors. Corey Stokes was cited for public urination. Former Wildcats Taylor King, Scottie Reynolds, and guard Corey Fisher were all benched at the end of last season for what Wright called "teachable moments."

Wright understands the perception of Villanova could be skewed by the string of problems.

"It doesn't help, but I still feel great about the guys we have, I feel great about the program," Wright said. "I just think this is part of teaching 18- to 22-year-old kids."